Has anyone been able to actually buy the Husky heated grips? I think one of our Aussie members alluded to having done so, but I'm not sure. All my inquiries here in the US receive blank looks from the dealers. I know I can add them with aftermarket items, but the factory units looked pretty good, although expensive no doubt.
My dealer said the factory units weren't likely to be available and discouraged me from ordering them. After a couple of chilly rides in the mountains I bought these: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ASHL0KY/ref=oh_details_o02_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Planning to install them this weekend and give them a try. For $36 they are worth a shot.
I checked my email box. I got an email dated 27th March with update on accessories availability. Heated grips are marked 'available' with remark 'check new price in ARCO/WOL' (internal ordering system). Sorry - no price mentioned.
Next, I'm tuning in for test results. I just couldn't bring myself to pay factory price, even if they were readily available.
I have been using the HeatDemon heated grip pad by Symtec for several seasons now. It works better than many others, because there is a throttle-specific side and a clutch-specific side. What's the difference? The throttle pad goes on a plastic tube while the clutch side goes right to aluminum... so the heat L/R won't be equal. They have worked that out nicely in the pad itself. Additionally, I bought some handlebar sized heat shrink tubing and I put that on the clutch side first. Then you can use 2 throttle-side grips of your choosing. You're not stuck with some cheapo molded grips. Also, some of the cheaper under-the-grip systems use an external resistor for the hi/lo setting. It gets very hot and has been known to melt the wiring loom if you route it too close. The Symtec brand sends hi or lo setting right into the pad... NO external resistor to waste current or melt your wiring 50 miles from the truck. They've been very good. I could never go back to unheated now. http://www.heatdemons.com/External-Handlebar-Warmer-Kit-Motorcycle-MTRR_p_36.html
I have Oxford sports heaterz ...well built, I think I paid $80 Well recommended by riders .not installed yet
Lets try something different. I changed the title to 'Please Stay on topic!'. Lets see if we can make this thread *just* about heated grips so I can link to it with a 'super sticky' / Index thread. Normally these discussions go off topic quickly.. EDIT: going off topic is not a big deal, just want to try to keep this one on topic as an experiment.
+1 My LH grip gets pretty hot when on Hi. Nice for a quick warm up, then quickly switch to LOW. Bill's BMP did the install and wired it to a switched wire so no fear of draining battery if I forget to turn it off. I was surprised that keeping my hands warm seems to keep the rest of me warmer.
I installed Rockymountainatv $20 heated grip elements, following HighFive's excellent pictorial (in Farkles?). The kit appears the same as the one HF used from Cycle Gear. Lots of heat and cheap!
I've been using the $35 heated grips for two winters now, with a summer of non-use but still installed in between. I have poor circulation in my hands, and in the winter, it can completely ruin my day. I have an estimated 100 dirt hours on them, and they are still holding up...
I've been using the same cheapos for a few years now on my bikes. A cheap 12v 30A relay wired to switched power keeps me from a dead battery. You can run the grips of your coice too. It's a good cost effective solution IMHO. Out of ignorance I am curious where the advantage is in delayed seemingly over-priced factory heated grips? Is it the simple plug n play factor?
Could be off topic ... but here goes: I´ve never liked heated grips as they only heat the insides of your hands. I now use battrey heated gloves inside large winter gauntlets. The batteries last for about 100 miles, but keeping them charged and changing them is no great joy. https://secure.designed4inspiration.com/account.php
Tsk....tsk....nothing better than using BOTH.....I guarantee! I run the cheapo heat grids (as mentioned) plus wear hard-wired heated gloves. It's the Fishizzle, I'm telling you. Heat on top and underneath. AND, I strap on the MSR elephant ears too, when its really cold. FEAR NO WEATHER.....when you have both. For the record: the TR650 comes stock with a plastic tube under the left-hand grip. At least mine did. This is terrific news for cheapo heated panels. Someone implied (above) that it would be strapped to the metal handlebar. This is not the case for the Terra/Strada.....or doesn't have to be. The cheapos work fantastic! Besides being a cheap-a$$, grid panels are my choice because they allow me to use the grips of my own desire. I like a thin, tacky, soft rubber grip. I do not like my hands slipping on big fat hard hard slick grips.....which all the high dollar fancy heated grip sets seem to come with. It ain't a Harley Ultra Glide cruising down the super-slab. I'm hanging tight with lots of movement in rough terrain. So, I'm real picky about my grip size and feel. Cheapo heat grids allow me this customizing luxury. I don't care what you use. Really, I don't. I'll never be riding your bike! HF
You may be asking why this thread was started, but I kinda doubt it. Regardless, I'll tell you...this week on my way home from the Hill Country I rolled out of our motel into a brisk 42 degrees F, wearing most of what I had. It wasn't enough, and disregarding the fact that most of us from the Gulf Coast area are wimps when it comes to cold weather (give me some HEAT) I was very uncomfortable for the first hundred something miles, especially my hands. Running down the interstate with a stiff headwind didn't help things. I resolved not to get caught out again without the ability to stay warm. I will agree that heated grips aren't the total answer, but they help. I have an old Gerbings liner but seldom use it as the heating elements in the arms don't spread the heat well. I am going to buy all new heated gear; Gerbins MicroWire jacket liner and, I think, glove liners. Highfive, what heated gloves are you using? Any comments on them? I havent' seen any heated gloves that look really dual sport or off-road friendly. That's where using heated liners under some rain rated midweight gloves begins to sound good, but I've no experience with the Gerbings glove liners. Anyone? I guess this is thread drift again. Do we need to move to a Heated Gear thread?
I should have included this in my post, above, about HeatDemon grips: You can get the same set from Dual Star, along with some nice accessories including a piece of the heat shrink I'm talking about for the clutch side. They show it here: http://www.dual-star.com/index2/Rider/heated_grip_kit1.htm
